TERRORISM AND THE CHALLENGE OF NATIONAL SECURITY: AN INSIGHT INTO THE POLITICAL ECONOMY INTERPRETATION OF THE BOKO-HARAM SECT IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper presents a fresh insight to domestic terrorism in Northern States of Nigeria which affects the entire Nigerian polity. Having in the past crushed the terror of the Maitasine sect, the emergence of the Boko- Haram sect in 2002 spelt doom to our fledgling democracy and posing a challenge to national security. The paper adopted a qualitative method of analysis which relies on secondary material and will seek explanation of terrorism in line with the domestic terrorist group (Boko-Haram), within the context of Marxian ■ political economy and frustration-deprivation theories. Thus, it argues that until the economic position ofthe people is secured, where social welfare ofthe people is improved, and where individuals are motiva'ed to achieve life-. ambitions and fulfill destiny, frustration sets in, and then security remains; elusive. Therefore the paper recommend genuine anti-poverty strategies through good governance.